COACHING CAREER: Mike Stefanski is in his 15th season on the Reds' coaching staff and his fifth as Major League catching coordinator...on 1/27/04 he retired as a player and joined the Reds' staff as the bullpen catcher...was named catching coordinator on 12/4/13.

PLAYING CAREER: In his minor league career appeared in 786g behind the plate but also played 60g at 1B, 25g at 3B and 18g in the OF...made 4 apps as a pitcher (0-0, 5.40), all in relief...in 1994 was a Texas League All-Star...was named California League Batter of the Week for 5/2-5/8, 1993 (.591)...in 1991, his first professional season, won the Arizona League batting championship (.364)...originally was selected by the Brewers in the 40th round of the June 1991 free-agent draft...beginning with the 2002 season signed minor league contracts with the Reds for 3 consecutive years before retiring as a player on 1/27/04.

PERSONAL: In 1987 graduated from Redford Union High School in Redford, Michigan, where he played baseball and basketball...attended the University of Detroit, where twice he was All-Conference in baseball...also attended Detroit Mercy College...wife's name is Ysela (pronounced ee-SELL-uh)...they have 3 children, Shelbie, Michael and Lauren.